Why does this post have the ‘1’ postfix? Because this is definitely not the last time I will be visiting and making images of this place. There should be more photographic possibilities in the future when inspiration strikes again. Built on the site of the original National Stadium (Which was quite a large splendid example of brutalism. Do an internet search for images of it if you are interested.), the new Sports Hub encompasses a new Stadium, sports facilities, a mall (yup this is Singapore all right 😉 ), links to an indoor stadium, links to another mall with a cinema, links to other event halls, ice skating ring, and a whole load of other stuff. Read what the official website says, “a world-class, integrated sports, entertainment, and lifestyle hub delivering world-class sporting and entertainment events.”

Stadium Façade

Nikon D610, 50mm, f/8, 1/200, ISO 100

No, if you are a tourist I won’t recommend visiting this place. 😀 Unless you are here for a long stay and have already visited most other places – in which case this area would be an interesting novelty. Or if you are really interested in architecture and urban design, in which case the entire hub should also make for an interesting study in integrated development.

Stadium Interior

Nikon D610, 28mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO 800

I have not had the experience of attending an event in the new stadium. However a small part of the stadium is open at certain times of the day for public view, which is where I got this image from a somewhat restricted vantage point. Notice how the seats are tastefully painted in the country’s national colours – red and white. The dome in the roof can be mechanically opened and is obviously the main feature of the stadium.

Stadium Perimeter

Nikon D610, 24mm, f/8, 1/125, ISO 100

A look at the stadium with its dome from the perimeter of the main complex.

Perimeter Rooms And Offices

Nikon D610, 28mm, ISO 100

Facility rooms and offices are also built along the perimeter wall of the main stadium complex.

Perimeter Track

Nikon D610, 18mm, f/8, 1/160, ISO 100

A very smart design. A track runs along the perimeter of the main stadium building. This track obviously has a larger circumference than the stadium itself! Families and joggers find themselves a large, quiet (when there isn’t any event) space to exercise and have fun. Rare characteristics for space-constrained Singapore. Convenient malls with some shopping and entertainment facilities just around the corner makes exercise so much more worth looking forward to. 😉

Lines And Curves

Nikon D610, 28mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO 800

Like most architecture projects of recent years, the design trends towards blending organic curves and lines.

Kallang Basin Sports Activities

Nikon D610, 50mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO 100

Moving away from the main stadium complex, let us take a look at the surrounding area. The Sports Hub is built beside the Kallang Basin, an area of water surrounded by reclaimed land. The water is fed by a few other rivers and eventually flows out into the sea. It is a popular venue used for water sports. This has become a classy residential area in the city with the Sports Hub nearby.

Water Control And Classy Residences

Nikon D610, 18mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO 100

It is labelled “Water Control Centre”. No I actually do not know what it does. Monitor water bacteria/health levels maybe? After all this used to be farmland and the bottom of the basin is really just mud. Here we get a good look at the classy condominiums in the area. In fact this location is just a stone’s throw away from the CBD and a major leisure/entertainment zone (Look carefully to spot a ferris wheel.). Yet it is strategically secluded by roads, parks and trees so that you hardly feel the rush and stress commonly associated with city-living in the atmosphere. OK now that’s a caption that property developers would love to use!

Indoor Stadium Facade

Nikon D610, 28mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO 100

The indoor stadium is a large, fully air-conditioned building just beside the main stadium complex and conveniently linked by a connecting bridge. This is frequently used for concerts and other indoor events.

That’s a wrap for now. I will post another follow-up when I have enough images from future photography outings.